Patriots Reportedly Bringing Back Former Star Linebacker

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 13: The New England Patriots run out on the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 13, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots reached into their past today and added a piece to their 2019 defense. New England is bringing back linebacker Jamie Collins.

Collins was a second-round pick of the Patriots in 2013. He lasted three-and-a-half seasons in Foxborough, making a Pro Bowl in 2015 before a mid-season trade the following year sent him to the Cleveland Browns.

Collins played well in Cleveland after the trade but was limited to only six games in 2017 due to a knee injury. However, he bounced back with a strong 2018.

This past fall, Collins started all 16 games for the Browns, compiling 104 tackles, four sacks, four passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble.

The #Patriots have indeed signed Jamie Collins according to league source (@RapSheet was on it first). The linebacker will be present for some on-field work on Thursday.